A virtual Twitter race has been set up at I Run Because... and I couldn't help but realise it would be a great opportunity to stay motivated to run when there's inches of snow on the ground and the temps are in the negatives.
Last week I ran 5 miles (in 55 mins) and I knew I'd be set to run my first 'official' race of 2012.
This morning, my knees were good, my stomach was sound, I'd hydrated well (no hang over for me!) and I already knew what I needed to wear for the -4 temps outside (running tights, basketball shorts over them, gloves, warm pink hat, sports bra, long-sleeve shirt, Nike running jacket, and a bright orange hoodie.)
I had mapped a sort of |_| shape for my 5k. I was to run towards down Campbell, along Tecumseh and then back on Huron Church. I was expecting at least 2/3 of that route to have clean side-walks, but I think half of it was sludgy. I stepped in A LOT of puddles, but managed to jump over more. We had about 2-3 inches of snowfall last night, so I'm thankful we didn't get the full 6 inches that was predicted.
I felt really good for the first mile. The weather wasn't too cold - no wind, sun and blue skies.I was determined to start slow and speed up later if I could. I wanted to run the entire way, not start off too fast, as I often do.
The second mile was a bit sludgy, and I stepped in a few deep puddles that soaked my shoes and fluffy socks. It was a bit sucky from there, because I hate having wet socks. I kept telling myself that I was half-way done, and that I could speed up now and shouldn't burn out. But I was determined not to fall, so I didn't go crazy.
Mile 3 was just me telling myself that I'm almost home, and I can put on new warm socks :) I kept checking my watch, and once I got to 3miles I started sprinting. This was SO difficult - there was snow everywhere and I could feel all my energy soaking into the snow and not pushing me forwards. I ended up finishing in 31:28, which is the fastest road 5k I have ever run! :)
I wish I'd had a picture, or a partner to run this with. However, my running partner was too hung over when I set out, and he was still on the couch when I returned. Perhaps I'll drag him with me next time!
Every time I run a race, I have two goals.
Last week I ran 5 miles (in 55 mins) and I knew I'd be set to run my first 'official' race of 2012.
This morning, my knees were good, my stomach was sound, I'd hydrated well (no hang over for me!) and I already knew what I needed to wear for the -4 temps outside (running tights, basketball shorts over them, gloves, warm pink hat, sports bra, long-sleeve shirt, Nike running jacket, and a bright orange hoodie.)
I had mapped a sort of |_| shape for my 5k. I was to run towards down Campbell, along Tecumseh and then back on Huron Church. I was expecting at least 2/3 of that route to have clean side-walks, but I think half of it was sludgy. I stepped in A LOT of puddles, but managed to jump over more. We had about 2-3 inches of snowfall last night, so I'm thankful we didn't get the full 6 inches that was predicted.
I felt really good for the first mile. The weather wasn't too cold - no wind, sun and blue skies.I was determined to start slow and speed up later if I could. I wanted to run the entire way, not start off too fast, as I often do.
The second mile was a bit sludgy, and I stepped in a few deep puddles that soaked my shoes and fluffy socks. It was a bit sucky from there, because I hate having wet socks. I kept telling myself that I was half-way done, and that I could speed up now and shouldn't burn out. But I was determined not to fall, so I didn't go crazy.
Mile 3 was just me telling myself that I'm almost home, and I can put on new warm socks :) I kept checking my watch, and once I got to 3miles I started sprinting. This was SO difficult - there was snow everywhere and I could feel all my energy soaking into the snow and not pushing me forwards. I ended up finishing in 31:28, which is the fastest road 5k I have ever run! :)
I wish I'd had a picture, or a partner to run this with. However, my running partner was too hung over when I set out, and he was still on the couch when I returned. Perhaps I'll drag him with me next time!
Every time I run a race, I have two goals.
I want to NOT be last.
I want to NOT fall down.
And in regards to those two goals, I deem this race a complete success :)
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